3D printed stretchable smart fibers and textiles for self-powered e-skin

E-textiles are of great significance for next-generation wearable electronics. However, the current smart textiles generally have shortcomings such as intricate preparation processes and redundant structure. Here, we have developed a 3D printing method to prepare stretchable elastic fibers with a coaxial core-sheath structure, which consists of conductive core and insulative sheath. The addition of graphene and PTFE particles successfully manipulates the rheological behavior of the PDMS prepolymer and makes it suitable for 3D printing of coresheath coaxial stretchable fibers. Furthermore, the large-scale and customized manufacturing of stretchable smart textiles has been achieved. Based on triboelectric effect, the core-sheath elastic fiber can perform the function of wearble tactile sensing as e-skin and the smart textile demonstrates the ability of matrix tactile sensing through the interlaced structure of warp and weft. Moreover, the smart textile has many advantages such as washability, breathability, super stretchability and robustness, making it promising for wearable electronics.

Automated summary

A newly developed 3D printing method allows for the preparation of stretchable elastic fibers with a coaxial core-sheath structure, providing good conductivity and insulation properties suitable for smart textiles. Large-scale customized manufacturing of stretchable smart textiles is now achievable.